Hainault Forest

Forest adventures and fresh air mean that a rest and refuel stop at our 1856 café is a must for any trip to Hainault!

Set against a backdrop of stunning forest views our relaxed and informal café space inside the renovated 1856 barn is a perfect spot to grab a bite and we’ve got you covered whatever the time of day and whatever you’re craving.

From Saturday 29 March the café will be open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm

Foxburrows Barn is a brand-new function suite set within the magnificent 400 acres of Hainault Forest; the scenic views of the surrounding woodland provide the perfect backdrop for your function or event. Our large open plan room has its own fully stocked bar and adjoining toilets, use of kitchen facilities and the extensive forest surroundings.

If you’d like to know more about our facilities, pricing, and availability or have more specific questions, get in touch with us today.

Come and meet our furry friends!

We are open 7 days a week school holidays/bank holidays. We are closed on Mondays during term time.

Summer Opening Hours
April to September: 10am to 5pm

Winter Opening Hours
October to March: 10am to 4pm

The newly built playground at Hainault Forest is now open for children to come and enjoy hours of fun.

The new play installations will tell the story of the site – from the beacon towers to the hermit’s hut – providing children with a range of sensory experiences and play spaces to play physically, imaginatively, and collaboratively.

All play equipment is made from natural wood taking inspiration from the surrounding Forest and its royal history as a Tudor hunting ground. The outdoor play installations complement the storytelling experience that children can discover at the indoor exhibition in the neighbouring barns. The new playground is also home to the biggest slide in Redbridge.

The national standard for parks and open spaces in England and Wales recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country with Green Flag Status.

Hainault Forest has retained its Green Flag Status for 2024 and has gained automatic entry into the People’s Choice Awards 2024.

We’re delighted to announce that once again made it into the top 10 in the People’s Choice Awards 2024! With this continued recognition, we’re proud to be a vibrant, accessible, and biodiverse space for all.

Car parking available at this site, payment via RingGo. No cash payments accepted.

Motorcycles can park for free if they are parked within a bay.

There is no allocated parking for coaches at Hainault Forest. If you wish to bring a coach party you will need to notify the park in advance by emailing Hainaultforest@visionrcl.org.uk

Our Walking for Health Group meets regularly at Hainault Forest for more see our Walking Activities page.

For more information on regular activities taking place at Hainault Forest, visit the Hainault Forest website.

If you have some spare time on your hands and enjoy the great outdoors, why not help us to look after Hainault Forest? It’s a great way to exercise, meet new friends and help the environment, all at the same time.

Volunteer Workday sessions run every Friday and Saturday. Meet at 9:45am to start work at 10am, finishing at 2:30pm. Volunteers are free to leave at any time.

We meet in the second car park of Hainault Forest. What we do each week is based on the forest management plan, and can include planting, scrub clearance, path maintenance, painting, habitat creation, and more.

No pre-booking or previous experience is needed; just turn up on the day. Wear some sturdy, shoes, dress for the weather and bring any drinks and snacks you might want.

Join our ranger John for a Monday morning forest clean up! Help us keep our forest clean, protecting our wildlife at the same time. These litter-picking sessions run every Monday, from 10am to 12pm. We meet in the second car park of Hainault Forest.

No pre-booking or previous experience is needed; just turn up on the day. Wear some sturdy, shoes, dress for the weather and bring any drinks and snacks you’d like.